Footage from the incident that was obtained by The Trentonian via public records request can be seen below. As the cell door began to close and was almost shut, Villanueva sprayed the chemical agent inside. She Was Just Found in Puerto Rico, Chris Rock to Address Will Smith's Slap in First Stand-Up Since Last Year's Oscars, New Jersey Bill Seeks to Ban Sale of Baby Wipes. When that trust is violated, it makes it more difficult for our fellow police officers and federal agents to maintain the communitys confidence.. Man In Easter Bunny Suit Involved In Florida Brawl Wanted In New Jersey For Car Burglaries. Villanueva has several other issues pending from his four years on the Trenton police force, which all occurred in 2017. It isn't entirely clear what is happening in the third video, which was shot from a distance. Villanueva is charged with two counts of obstruction, and Inman with one count of obstruction, in connection with that incident. Her first official day isnt till May 1. The indictment recounts the chase from start to finish, as Washington ended up at the banks of the Delaware and Raritan Canal. Villanueva wore all black, his lean frame topped by a mop of curly jet black hair. All rights reserved, Philly POPS Musicians Disappointed' by Recent Moves, Trump Supporters Get Parole in Philadelphia Weapons Case, Check Your Change! The video also captured Villanueva bragging about the arrest later on a phone call. A New Jersey appeals court has affirmed the 2018 firing of a Trenton police officer terminated for pepper spraying a suspect inside a jail cell. The charges carry up to 10 and 20 years in prison, respectively, and a maximum $250,000 fine if the cops are convicted, the feds said. By The Newnan Times-Herald. Lock Inmans lawyer has declined to comment. Inman, who is the son of Hamilton cop Daniel Inman, was later caught on bodycam bragging about the vicious assault saying that he beat the sh** out of Washington, then another officer pointed to his bodycam to cut him off. Villanueva was fired last year and faces a separate federal charge for allegedly pepper spraying a man in a police holding cell. Authorities say the driver involved in the stop fled in his vehicle and then on foot as officers pursued. His father was a police officer. The counts against both officers stem from a traffic stop on April 9, 2017, in Trenton. The appropriate departmental administrative actions will be taken, he said. Villanueva and Inman were among this group. 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Each man did not speak other than to acknowledge the judge when she advised them of their right to remain silent. NBC10 obtained body cam footage of the incident.. Officer Drew Inman and former city Officer Anthony Villanueva entered their pleas Wednesday during their arraignments in federal court. Trenton Police Officer Drew Inman and former Trenton Police Officer Anthony Villanueva were charged in a six-count indictment two years after an incident in which they knocked a Trenton man to the ground during an arrest, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced. Trenton Police Officer Drew Inman, 25, of Hamilton, New Jersey, and former Trenton Police Officer Anthony Villanueva, 25, of Ewing, New Jersey, are charged in a six-count indictment. The indictment says Villanueva also lied on his report, a copy of which was obtained by this newspaper, intending to impede, obstruct, and influence the investigation. Lord was pleased somebody from law enforcement was paying attention and holding these officers accountable for their criminal conduct. He was fired in June 2018. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. TRENTON City police officer Drew Inman was arrested Tuesday morning by the FBI as part of an investigation targeting former and current officers over allegations of use of excessive force. This is not a Rodney King situation, he said. Kieffer III, the son of Capt. At no time during this encounter did the plaintiff harass, or threaten the defendants, nor engage in any conduct, which in any way justified the excessive force used by defendants.. Felton said in suit that he was beaten so badly during his arrest he suffered bleeding on the brain and other injuries. The video appeared to show Singletary slapping Villanuevas hand away from the phone. I snuck up from behind him and just punched him, he just fell, Villanueva says, mocking Felton by quoting him, You didnt got to punch me man.. In his report, Villanueva claimed he told Singletary he needed to end the phone call and that, As I began to walk toward Singletary, he immediately began to tense up. An official website of the United States government. TRENTON A third man who says he was beat up by fired Trenton cop Anthony Villanueva has finally filed suit against the former cop and ex-police director Ernest Parrey Jr., who is accused of not doing enough to crack down on rogue cops. Date published: Jan 28, 2021. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Capt. The arresting departments are noted: Coweta County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), Chattahoochee Hills Police Department (CHPD . According to Trentonian , the Trenton Police Department is setting up the Hispanic cop, Officer Anthony Villanueva, "as the sole fall guy" and "Villanueva was placed on restricted duty. Villanueva and Inman, their hands shackled in front of them, appeared Tuesday afternoon before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni. Villanueva stated he intended to charge Q.S. Dougherty believes the city made a pile of mistakes investigating Villanueva, including not interviewing his client or his supervising sergeant. District of New Jersey Stephen Varn, who is serving as acting police director while Lt. Chris Doyle is on vacation, confirmed Inmans arrest at TPD headquarters. (Image via YouTube) TRENTON, NJ - Two Trenton police officers have been arrested by. "In this situation, he did not elect to draw his weapon, it stayed in the holster and he brought the guy down to the ground and handcuffed him," Ballarotto said. You already receive all suggested Justia Opinion Summary Newsletters. Villanueva, who was standing on the same side of the chain-link fence, suddenly appeared out of nowhere, the feds alleged. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Villanueva and Inman knowingly made numerous misrepresentations, false statements and omissions in an effort to portray Victim 1 as the aggressor and an ongoing threat, the indictment says. Thats not what this was.. provided by mercer county prosecutors office, Chanzie Washington's mugshot after being arrested April 9, 2017. You can explore additional available newsletters here. Villanueva was fired by Trenton police last summer for an alleged pattern of excessive force. Villanueva later completed an incident report that contained numerous false statements designed to conceal his unlawful conduct and improper treatment of the prisoner. Inman then charged at Washington and tackled him from behind, and joined Villanueva in repeatedly punching Washington in the face, according to the indictment against them. Quaree Singletary, of Ewing, claims he was physically assaulted by Villanueva in lockup at Trenton Police headquarters on Nov. 28, 2017, and suffers from serious bodily injuries to his brain, head, face and body.. Trenton Police Officer Drew Inman, 25, of Hamilton, New Jersey, and former Trenton Police Officer Anthony Villanueva, 25, of Ewing, New Jersey, are charged in a six-count indictment that was returned by a federal grand jury on April 18, 2019, and unsealed today. She sounded indignant as she discussed her decades-long struggle to help clients who described being beaten up and abused by TPD officers. 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. They are charged with violating Washington's civil rights and falsifying police. 3/6/2023 6352640 villanueva gonz george 3/6/2023 6522314 wilson steven 3/7/2023 6548196 carrillo carlos 3/7/2023 6523835 davis rodney . Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. A New Jersey appeals court has affirmed the 2018 firing of a Trenton police officer terminated for pepper spraying a suspect inside a jail cell. Washington ran from police during a traffic stop and when officers caught up with him at a fence, they ordered him to raise his arms and then climb over the fence, authorities allege. Former officer Anthony Villanueva and current officer Drew Inman appeared in federal court Tuesday afternoon. TRENTON - City police officer Drew Inman was arrested Tuesday morning by the FBI as part of an investigation targeting former and current officers over allegations of use of excessive force.. Search the most comprehensive statewide database of police use of force in the U.S. Singletary, describing the horrible burning pain he experienced after getting maced, explained he asked to go to the hospital but was instead given water to flush out his eyes and throat. Mar. See Average Property Tax Bill In Lawrence Township, Per New Data, Catholics In Diocese Of Trenton Can Eat Meat On St. Patrick's Day, Head-Shaving Event At Lawrence Restaurant To Raise Funds For Cancer, Office Furniture & Soft Seating Liquidation Sale, NJ Camp Fairs at Menlo Park Mall Mar 4, 2023 - FREE to Attend (12-3PM), Protect Your Home from Ticks with Yard Guard from Viking Pest, AMC Theatres In NJ To Base Pricing Off Where You Sit, The Poop On Free-Range Cats And Your Lawn And Garden [Block Talk]. TRENTON, NJ - Two Trenton police officers have been arrested by federal agents and charged with assault and obstruction of justice, authorities announced on Tuesday. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS That came one day after they made their initial court appearances and were each released on $50,000 bail. The lawsuit, brought by attorneys Robin Lord and Clifford Bidlingmaier, was filed in state court March 29, more than a year after Singletarys encounter with the troubled ex-cop. I believe that if my client gets a fair hearing he wont be charged.. Villanueva described it this way in a report after he said he told Singletary he needed to end the phone call: As I began to walk toward Singletary, he immediately began to tense up. _____ Submitted January 12, 2021 - Decided Before Judges Haas, Mawla, and Natali. Docket #: 1879852 Defendant: CHANDLER , ANTHONY Charge: DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Arresting Officer: MORTON, STONEY #012, Complaint #: A 029285G 2022 Arrest Date: 7/3/2022 Presiding Judge: ABLES, LARRY Division: 3 Court Room: 3 CJUS8023 Hamilton County General Sessions Court - Criminal Division Trial Docket 3/1/2023 Page No: 3 ar_Master_Docket Main Office: Officer Drew Inman and former officer Anthony Villaneuva face six counts of civil rights violations and obstruction of justice in the arrest of suspect Chanzie Washington in 2017 and Quaree Singletary in 2017. When the police caught him, Washington was brought to the ground, and was then punched several times by three different police officers: Drew Inman, Antony Villanueva andMark Kieffer III. As I reached for the phone, Singletary smacked my hand out of the way.. The whole scuffle was caught on surveillance cameras and the footage was released to The Trentonian. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Former officer Anthony Villanueva and current officer Drew Inman appeared in federal court Tuesday afternoon. An anonymous cop from the department toldTrentonian that the police department is painting Anthony as the villain., Villanueva has hired an attorney who said,Ive already made plans to defend him on these charges, but theres no sense putting on my battle gear before the battle starts. It was not immediately clear if that charge was dropped. Villanueva faces additional charges for allegedly assaulting a prisoner who was in a holding cell. Cannon , Che' Anthony Berry 10/29/1996 2105 Foust St - Chattanooga, TN Cannon , Courtney Leighann 8/15/1991 3254 Plaza Cir - Chattanooga, TN Cannon , Ira 10/20/1996 . Our journalism needs your support. Former Trenton police officer Anthony Villanueva, left, when he graduated from the police academy in a 2015 file photo, and Trenton police officer Drew Inman, right, at his graduation. Inman and Villanueva returned to the police station to prepare reports in connection with the victims arrest. "It's perfectly proper the way he handled himself," Villanueva's attorney, Jerome Ballarotto, said. |. Swung his arm around his neck and brought him to the ground, he said. On November 28, 2017, Villanueva was on duty at the Trenton Police Department Detention Center. The video includes body cameras from three officers, but not from Villanueva or Inman. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Villanuevas attorney, Jerome Ballarotto, insists his client didnt punch the man however. Singletary and his attorneys may be banking on power in numbers. He was a good cop and still is a good cop., In a statement, U.S. attorney Craig Carpenito said cops have a difficult and dangerous, job but must perform their duties while respecting the civil rights of the people they are policing. The violation of civil rights counts each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. On April 9, 2017, Chanzie Washington, of Trenton, fled a routine traffic stop on foot, according to authorities. Please enter valid email address to continue. TPD officers were on the other side waiting for Washington, who immediately gave himself up and raised his hands in the air, the indictment says. Anthony Villanueva leaves the federal courthouse in Trenton in this April 2019 file photo. Like our content? Both Villanueva and Inman were charged in April 2019 with aiding and abetting each other in depriving the civil rights of Chanzie Washington in April 2017. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Inman and Villanueva then punched the man numerous times, while he cried out in pain, and told officers, stop hitting me in my face, and youve got my hands.. Racist Ex-University Of Kentucky 'Karen' Sophia Rosing Is Charged For Assaulting Black Student, Mississippi Cops Beat, Waterboarded Handcuffed Black Men, Shot 1 For Dating White Women': Lawyers. Body camera footage showed Villanueva tracking down, tackling and punching Felton in the head twice from behind following a foot chase in March 2017. The only way to eradicate the excessive abuse in the Trenton police department is by firing them all and starting all over again, she said. Police work is difficult and dangerous, but officers need to respect the civil rights of the people they are policing, U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. I never want to be maced again in my life, Singletary previously told this newspaper. It aint no joke. Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. ANTHONY VILLANUEVA, CITY OF TRENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT. Thats his gun, his physical strength and his courage.. He didnt have a baton. Im hopeful there will be more to come.. The indictment says the booking photo, obtained by The Trentonian, showed Washington, who has sued over the beatdown, with a busted, bloodied lip, nose and swelling and brusing around his left eye. TRENTON A Trenton police officer and a former colleague accused of assaulting a man during an arrest have pleaded not guilty to civil rights violations and obstruction of justice charges. The violation of civil rights counts each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Villanueva and Inman were each ordered released on $50,000 unsecured bonds with conditions. On appeal from the New Jersey Civil Service . The department found Villanueva violated policy, and charged him internally with conduct unbecoming a public employee and misconduct for the improper use of the spray, and later submitting a false report about the incident. Villanueva came up from Washingtons side and punched him in the face while Inman tackled him to the ground. Full title: IN THE MATTER OF ANTHONY VILLANUEVA, CITY OF TRENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT. Villanueva, who graduated from the police academy in 2015, was caught on tape pummeling Washington as he stood with his hands up near a chain-link fence as Inman and Kieffer joined in the clash. Its inbred in them. It burns. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Inman is still on restricted duty and Kieffer III is on the streets. Washington jumped into the canal and swam to the opposite bank, climbing up a steep, brush-lined embankment near a parking lot. We will have problems if you do.. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Singletary and Villanueva who at last word was being looked at by the feds over allegations of repeated use of excessive force got into it with each other in police lockup over a phone call. Its inbred in internal affairs. The charges and accusations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and Inman and Villanueva are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Villanueva went back to headquarters to help process Washington. Incidents like these erode the publics confidence in law enforcement, and make policing harder for everyone whose job it is to keep our communities safe., Civil Rights violations are of great concern, particularly when the allegations involve a member of law enforcement, FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie said. Get free summaries of new New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division - Unpublished Opinions opinions delivered to your inbox! Family members and supporters sat stoically at the back of the courtroom; they declined to comment on the governments case against their loved ones, letting the attorneys to the talking after the hearing. The attorney argued that Trenton Police leave their officers unequipped far too often. . A-4302-18T3 (App. Sitting next to their attorneys, they remained quiet as U.S. assistant attorney Joseph Gribko briefly recapped the case against them. They cannot resort to excessive force in performing their duties. FAX: 609-989-2275. His report on that incident included a number of false statements in an attempt to hide his unlawful conduct and improper treatment of the prisoner, authorities said. Div. They cannot travel outside of the U.S., must surrender passports and firearms and avoid contact with victims and witnesses in the case, and with each other, when theyre outside the presence of their attorneys. Two Trenton officers involved in arresting Washington after a foot chase in April of 2017 are now facing federal charges. A Trenton police officer and a former colleague accused of assaulting a man they were arresting have pleaded not guilty to civil rights and obstruction of justice counts. Villanueva maced Singletary while he was inside a cell after a dustup that started when, the cop claimed, Singletary refused to get off the phone. In November 2017, Villanueva fired a can of chemical spray at Quaree Singletary inside a Trenton police holding cell while the cell door was closing, and then 24-year-old Singletary was inside. Villanueva argued in his appeal, among other arguments, that the OAL erred by finding that he violated state policy on using pepper spray, and Trenton police failed to conduct an adequate investigation before terminating his employment. TRENTON A Trenton police officer and a former colleague accused of assaulting a man during an arrest have pleaded not guilty to civil rights violations and obstruction of justice charges. with assault on a police officer, which required that Q.S. Singletary, who is no stranger to cops having been arrested multiple times, told The Trentonian in a previous interview he remembered asking Villanueva why he ended his call. Villanuevas lawyer said the only people who should be happy about the charges are gang members, gun carriers, and drug sellers. Attorney Robin Lord is seeing her client Chanzie Washington's claims of police brutality vindicated. TPD Officer Drew Inman, center, was caught on tape punching a suspect in the face while other cops placed him in cuffs. FAX:973-645-2702 EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Valley Forge Military Academy Cadet Speaks To CBS3 About Alleged Verbal, Physical Abuse At Hands Of Students. Its inbred all over. On April 9, 2017 in Trenton, New Jersey, Chanzie Washington allegedly led cops on a car chase and then ran on foot. That case is pending in federal court. Authorities said Villanueva punched the driver in the face and Inman tackled him. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The false records counts each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- Two Trenton police officers are now in trouble with the law. He didnt have a flashlight. "It's a question of respect. Its inbred in the academy. Mayor Reed Gusciora said he was made aware of the arrests but declined to comment beyond that. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, adopted by the states Civil Service Commission, Villanueva and Trenton police officer Drew Inman. The Singletary incident was included in a federal civil rights case the U.S. Attorneys Office brought against Villanueva and Trenton police officer Drew Inman. According toTrentonian,the Trenton Police Department is setting up the Hispanic cop, Officer Anthony Villanueva, as the sole fall guy and Villanueva was placed on restricted duty within a week, but Inman remained on the streets for more than a month before being placed on restriction. As of last month,Villanueva was suspended without pay. Villanueva also faces three civil lawsuits from Washington, Singletary, and Salaam Felton. Trenton Police Officer Drew Inman, 25, of Hamilton, New Jersey, and former Trenton Police Officer Anthony Villanueva, 25, of Ewing, New Jersey, are charged in a six-count indictment that was handed up last Thursday by a federal grand jury and unsealed Tuesday. As Singletary headed toward his cell and the door closed behind him, the cop sprayed him with the stinging mace, affecting nearby prisoners. Quaree Singletary engaged in a struggle with city cop Anthony Villanueva after Villanueva abruptly ended Singletary's phone call to relatives. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. California residents do not sell my data request. In re Villanueva. To justify their actions, authorities said Inman and Villanueva prepared false and fraudulent reports in which they portrayed Washington as the aggressor and an ongoing threat. You're all set! Video of the incident showed Singletary strolling unaccompanied down the hall leading to the jail cells and entering the cell. TRENTON - A third man who says he was beat up by fired Trenton cop Anthony Villanueva has finally filed suit against the former cop and ex-police director Ernest Parrey Jr., who is. . Anthony Villanueva, then 25, after leaving U.S. District Court in Trenton in an April 2019 file photo.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Med. Singletary was charged with assaulting Villanueva. The public has an absolute right to trust that law enforcement will protect those they serve and keep them safe. The Newnan Times-Herald. Trenton:609-989-2190 Officer Anthony Villanueva sprays Quaree Singletary with mace during a lengthy struggle in TPD lockup. Passaic Clinton, Hunterdon Trenton, Mercer Tuckerton, Ocean Union Beach, Monmouth Union City, Hudson Union Township, . Without issuing any warning or command, defendant Villanueva moved swiftly towards victim 1 and punched victim 1 in the face, the indictment states. Accountability starts from the top.. Sign up for our free summaries and get the latest delivered directly to you. The man who the officers arrested is no longer in jail and his eluding and obstruction charges were later dropped. Video footage from inside police lockup showed the entire struggle, beginning in the phone room when Villanueva attempted to end a call Singletary was on with relatives after he was arrested and taken to headquarters on a warrant. Mark Kieffer Jr., was not charged in the indictment and not mentioned by name. Its a travesty for him, but also for the law abiding resident of the city of Trenton, at a time when we need good honest hard-working police officers who really want to the job and at the same time want to go home to their families at night without getting a bullet in the chest. The maximum fine for each of the charges is $250,000. One part of the video shows Inman punching the suspect before bragging to the person recording the video, saying, I beat the living sh*t he stops when the other officer points to his body camera. Bongiovanni ordered the government to turn over to the defense the names of any witnesses and victims so there wasnt any confusion.
